Ten years ago, I would say no. However, technology has evolved to be more attractive and productive. With that said, I would still look at solar panel installation from an economic point of view. Right now, systems generally can't pay for themselves without tax credits and other incentives available. Return on investment is very site-specific. You will have to enlist the help of experts to help you make that call.

I think we are getting closer to residential solar to being more than a novelty, but not quite yet. So, for me, right now, in the Chicago area, it's still a no. That may change.

Buyer BEWARE! We purchased and installed two rooms of the Morning Star Bamboo flooring this past fall. It was touted as being the hardest flooring available and care free...Ours is cupping in both rooms and scratches abound as well. LL refuses to come look and have only sent a letter stating we must have done something wrong or have a water leak in our foundation. LL does not stand behind their product. We don't have any water pipes in our foundation (mani-block system). We don't have humidity issues since we have a Lennox A/C-heater system that maintains it at 40% typically year round.

We used their products to place it down. It was easy to do and it looked nice for about 6 weeks...We use the cleaning products and process they told us to follow as well. Our home has never had any water or moisture concerns, though simply looking at pictures we sent to them, they say we do.

There's a couple of ways to find a good landscaping service. My favorite way to do it is by word of mouth. It's great to ask your friends and family what kind of services they have gotten. If they're satisfied, you will likely be satisfied as well. http://www.landscapesnw.com... more

If you try and retrofit after, you are likely to pay more. A good example is solar panels for the electrical service or water heater - it is not just the cost of putting in the panels it is the additional cost of tying it in to your existing system, permitting and, in some cases, moving vents, skylights, etc., to meet fire department codes for roof accessibility. There are all sorts of unforeseen obstacles that add up when it is not planned into the original construction. If you have the option to add to new construction and finance it into your mortgage, it is probably best in the long run.... more

I would have to agree with Elizabeth. If you plan on staying in the home long term then you could argue that they add value-to you. However, will the home now sell at a premium because of the solar panels? I personally don't believe so. I have yet to have a buyer say they are specifically looking for a home with panels.

It's interesting that there are solar cell shingles out there. I feel like that would really help you conserve electricity. How many cells do you need in order to collect enough energy? I'm really curious about this. http://www.gbsroofing.com... more